Redding Zoning Commission
Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2020 – 7:30 p.m.
Town Hall Hearing Room
100 Hill Road, Redding, Connecticut
Present: Matt Lecher, Chairman; Amy Atamian, Secretary; Commissioner Ted Ogonek; Commissioner Paul Scholl.
Also Present: Aimee Pardee, Zoning Officer; Regina O’Brien, Secretary, Redding Planning Commission; applicants; members of the public.
Mr. Lecher noted that four regular members of the Commission were seated.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Mr. Lecher called the meeting to order.
1. Application #20 – 2Z : 280 Ethan Allen Highway (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 35 – 93): Arianit Krasniqi (owner). Request for Site Plan Approval, in accordance with Section 5.2, for demo of existing dwelling, construction of new commercial buildings, and expansion of parking area. Received January 22, 2020: Public Hearing February 26, 2020.
Ms. Atamian read the call for the Public Hearing. On the motion of Mr. Ogonek, and the second of Ms. Atamian, the Commission voted unanimously to accept the call and open the public hearing at 7:35 p.m.
Mr. Krasniqi was asked to present the application. He showed the Commission the submitted site plan and explained that his property has three buildings: one is a mixed use commercial and residential building, the other two are residential. He plans to tear down one of the residential buildings, then build a warehouse, banquet hall, and parking, while retaining his other two buildings.
Ms. Atamian asked about the use and outside finish of the warehouse building; Mr. Krasniqi stated that the front of the building would be stucco. Ms. Atamian asked about the banquet hall and the number of seats. Mr. Krasniqi stated that he thought there would be 80 or 90 seats; a discussion of parking followed.
Mr. Lecher reviewed memos that had been received by Doug Hartline, Health Officer, as well as from Aimee Pardee, and the town’s engineering consultant John Gilmore, P.E. Mr. Hartline had noted the need for approved septic design for all the buildings; he also had concern about water supply. Ms. Pardee and Mr. Gilmore had noted that information, required by the regulations, was omitted from the application. Ms. Pardee had also noted that, given the presence of wetlands and flood plain, the Conservation Commission would need to review the application and that the Zoning Commission could not approve the application without the approval of the Conservation Commission.
Mr. Lecher opened the hearing to public comment. Hearing none, he suggested that the public hearing be continued to the next meeting. The Commission unanimously agreed that the hearing should be continued to March 11, 2020.
2. Application #20 – 3Z : 65 Diamond Hill Road (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 28 – 41): 65 Diamond Hill Road LLC (owner), Nazzaro Inc (Gene and Ross Nazzaro – Agents). Request for Special Permit for earth moving in excess of 300 cubic yards of material in accordance with Sections 5.1 and 5.5. Received January 22, 2020: Public Hearing February 26, 2020.
Ms. Atamian read the call for the public hearing. On the motion of Ms. Atamian, and the second of Mr. Ogonek, the Commission voted unanimously to accept the call and open the hearing at 7:45 p.m.
Ross Nazzaro appeared for the applicant. He stated that the owner of the property wishes to remove an outcropping of rock that will result in the removal of 500 to 700 cubic yards of material. Work had begun, but had exceeded the amount allowed by right. Mr. Lecher asked about the final disposition of the material; Mr. Nazzaro said that it will be removed from site via Diamond Hill Road, to Route 53.
Mr. Lecher reviewed the minutes of the Planning Commission site walk of the property. The commission discussed erosion control; Ms. Pardee stated that an inspection had found that erosion control was in place.
Hearing no questions or comments, Ms. Atamian moved that the public hearing be closed. Mr. Ogonek seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously, closing the hearing at 7:50 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING:
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:50 p.m.
1. Approval of Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2020.
On the motion of Ms. Atamian, and the second of Mr. Scholl, the Commission voted by majority to accept the minutes of the January 22, 2020 meeting. Mr. Ogonek abstained as he was not present at the meeting.
2. Application #20 – 2Z : 280 Ethan Allen Highway (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 35 – 93): Arianit Krasniqi (owner). Request for Site Plan Approval, in accordance with Section 5.2, for demo of existing dwelling, construction of new commercial buildings, and expansion of parking area. If public hearing is closed: for discussion/action.
Mr. Lecher noted that the hearing regarding this application would remain open, so discussion would be tabled.
3. Application #20 – 3Z : 65 Diamond Hill Road (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 28 – 41): 65 Diamond Hill Road LLC (owner), Nazzaro Inc (Gene and Ross Nazzaro – Agents). Request for Special Permit for earth moving in excess of 300 cubic yards of material in accordance with Sections 5.1 and 5.5. If public hearing is closed: for discussion/action.
The Commission discussed the application, and also the Planning Site Walk Minutes. On the motion of Ms. Atamian and the second of Mr. Ogonek, the Commission voted unanimously to approve Application #20-3Z.
4. Application #20 – 4Z : Sanfordtown Road Partners LLC, Albert Knapp & Ruth Oratz Knapp (applicant), Neil Marcus Esq. (agent). Request to amend the Redding Zoning Regulations as they relate to ground-mounted solar arrays. To receive/discuss.
The Commission reviewed correspondence from Neil Marcus regarding modifying the Town of Redding Zoning Regulations to allow for ground mounted solar arrays in residential zones. On the motion of Ms. Atamian, and the second of Mr. Ogonek, it was moved that the Commission accept the application and set a public hearing date of April 22, 2020. The motion was passed unanimously.
5. Discussion.
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
6. Future Agenda Items.
The Chairman noted the continuing public hearing regarding 280 Ethan Allen Highway, as well as the Public Hearing for application 20-4Z scheduled for April 22, 2020.
7. Communication
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
8. Adjournment
On the motion of Mr. Ogonek, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
Submitted by:
Aimee Pardee